Tour

Bird Arena

Location and Current Use

Bird Arena is located next to the Aquatic Center and Grover Center, across Oxbow Trail from the new Baker University Center, at coordinates F-5 on the campus map. It is marked as # 90 on the map. (In the photo above, you can see various parts of the new Baker University Center reflected in the windows.)

Bird Arena houses the ice skating rink that is used for classes, open skating, and for home games of the Bobcat Ice Hockey Team.

History of the Building

Built in 1957, the building features an illuminated 190' x 85' ice surface with a seamless Crystaplex dasher board system. Major renovations to the building in 2000-01 included the addition of a wing with four locker rooms, insulation upgrades, new bleachers, thermal windows, enlarged concession stand, and pro shop. The upstairs enclosed mezzanine provides a heated meeting room area.

Ossian Clinton Bird

Bird Arena is named in honor of Ossian Clinton Bird. A native of Milwaukee, WI, he was educated at Milwaukee public schools, Oberlin College, Ohio State University, and Harvard University. He was freshman football coach at Ohio State University from 1917 to 1920. He taught physical education in public schools, and was director of physical education. He came to Ohio University as Director of the Division of Physical Welfare. As director of Intercollegiate Athletics, his coaches and teams enjoyed phenomenal success in their efforts. He was very active in civic and professional affairs.

Tour

Dick Piccard revised this file (http://www.ohiou.edu/athens/bldgs/bird.html) on February 11, 2008.

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